District Governor Nick Courtney has asked that I coordinate our districts’ flood relief response, after establishing the needs of the Westport Rotary club and its community.
At the moment, I understand Civil Defence is coordinating the work on the ground. Greymouth Rotary has one of its members working on that team. They will leave eventually, and the work will fall on the shoulders of local CD personal. The Army and a Brethren response team are providing meals.
1. Peter Campbell is setting up a relief fund in the Westport Club, to distribute funds to those in need. There are many who will be underinsured or carry no insurance, and this is an area where we can help. Peter and his team will work with the mayor who also has an emergency fund. (Greymouth Rotary had a similar arrangement post Pike River, and had a MOU to handle donated goods)
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2. Foodbank Canterbury is delivering food to Westport. John Milligan would appreciate support from those ChCh clubs who support his organization.
3. Hold off on donated goods at this time until the needs are established. Cash is King! Providing bedding is going to be the biggest project according to Peter Campbell.
4. I have suggested we offer a self-supporting team of capable volunteers who have access to a campervan or caravan and can travel to Westport. We will be looking at basic building skills, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting.
A major challenge will be finding accommodation and tradesmen to do the work, which is why we need to be self-sufficient.
Peter has asked that we have a clear capability schedule that can be coordinated after the insurance assessments have been completed. It is likely we will help those who are not insured, or underinsured.
If you are available, have the skill set to help, and can be self-contained can you please fill out this simple schedule and I will see if we are in a place to offer practical assistance.
It would be really helpful for me if a club has a team of volunteers available, a club coordinator is nominated.
If you have the skill set and are able to help please contact Gary Hopkinson in Greymouth – details above.